Make an impact:Join Our Team in the Development Services Division and make a meaningful impact in our community! The Development Services Division, part of the Community Planning and Development Department, manages permits for public infrastructure and right-of-ways. The division collaborates with various City Departments to ensure our infrastructure meets development needs and complies with City Codes, Standards, and Specifications.
The Planner I is the entry level position in the three level professional planner series. This is a flex classification with the Planner II and Planner III classification. The supervisor will assign duties to broaden the employee's breadth of knowledge to prepare for the next classification level if progression opportunities exist within the division or department. Progression in a flex classification requires approval by both the Department Director and the Human Resources Director, and sufficient budget funding.
Learn and grow:We are committed to growing the capabilities of our people, where you can work with diverse individuals, explore new ways of thinking, and expand your capabilities. We pride ourselves on providing opportunities for innovation, career development, flexible work schedules, and great work-life balance.
What you will do:We are seeking a Planner I to join the Development Services Division with an emphasis on land use review, infrastructure planning, and permitting. In this role you will support the Development Services Division by coordinating daily operations related to assigned programs in infrastructure planning and permitting. Responsibilities include reviewing land use applications for new development for compliance with adopted standards; preparing written findings and staff documentation; coordinating interdepartmental reviews, and assisting applicants with regulatory and permit application requirements.
Additional information on job responsibilities:- Respond to questions related to public infrastructure while providing excellent customer service.
- Review and analyze development permits applications for compliance with adopted infrastructure related codes and standards.
- Prepare written findings, staff reports, technical correspondence, and decision recommendations.
- Coordinate permit reviews with internal departments and external applicants.
- Assist applicants in navigating development-related permit requirements and processes.
- Maintain accurate records and track applications using the City’s permitting software.
- Support process improvement and program evaluation efforts within the Development Services Division.
- Perform related duties consistent with the Planner I position.
What can we offer you for all your hard work?- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
- Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
- Competitive pay.
- Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
- Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
- Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
- Voluntary long-term care.
- Employee wellness program.
- Employee assistance program.
- Employee health clinic.
- Position schedule is Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Our team follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely or from the office (440 Church Street, SE), as needed, based on demands of specific tasks and manager approval. This is subject to change based on business needs.
- The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Learn more about Equal Pay.
What are the minimum qualifications?- Must pass the pre-employment background check.
- Must have an Oregon Driver license and meet the City of Salem's driving standards.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field, or any combination of experience and training that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed, and ability to perform the essential job functions.
Note: Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to give detailed information in your application that includes your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as requested in the supplemental questions and job advertisement.
Preferred Qualifications (Not required to apply):- Prior professional work experience relating to Oregon land use laws; community development standards such as land use and zoning; or infrastructure planning and permitting.
- Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM).
What you will bring along:- Ability to Knowledge of researching, analyzing, and summarizing technical and regulatory information;
- Experience presenting technical information to the public in person and across all forms of communication;
- Knowledge and experience providing customer service and demonstrating strong communication skills working with diverse stakeholders;
- Knowledge of working effectively with others and strong time management skills;
- Experience coordinating work across multiple departments and programs, and interacting with staff, consultants, contractors, senior managers, elected officials, and the general public.
Selection Plan(This timeline is tentative and could be subject to change as needed):
Recruitment will close May 17, 2026
Application review will be completed by May 22, 2026
Interviews will plan for the week of June 02, 2026 – June 4, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: June 29, 2026
About us:Salem is the second largest city in Oregon and the capital city. Centrally located in the Willamette Valley, Salem is 49 square miles in size and extends across
two counties, Marion and Polk. The community has well-established neighborhoods and carefully preserved historic buildings with wide diversity and a family-friendly ambiance. The city is home to nearly 180,000 residents. For a full community profile detailing demographics and housing statistics, visit the City of Salem website.The City of Salem organization has eight primary departments: Community Services, Finance, Fire, Enterprise Services, Legal, Police, Public Works, and Community Planning and Development. Several departments also have functional divisions within their department. The City of Salem employs roughly 1,350 talented and dedicated staff members and works collaboratively with five labor unions.
Where can I find out more about the position?Go to the menu option for Class Specifications and search for
Planner I.
How can I apply?The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for our available job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to everyone. The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to, and learning from each other, we are better able to serve the community.
To apply, click on the green “Apply” button to complete your application. Make sure that you specify how you meet the qualifications outlined in the class specification and complete the application.
Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications as outlined above but not selected for this position may be placed on an eligibility list, and candidates may be hired from the list. Eligibility lists are valid for six months. The City will send email notifications to eligible candidates about potential hiring opportunities so please ensure your email settings accept our system generated email notifications.
You may subscribe for automatic notification of job openings at the City through the
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For more information about employment at the City of Salem, please visit our website at
www.cityofsalem.net/jobs.
This announcement is not an implied contract and may be modified or revoked without notice.
